Slow Cooker

ABSTRACT

A cooking appliance for cooking a foodstuff over a period of time including a shell having a heating cavity and a heating element to heat the heating cavity. A container is removably positionable within the heating cavity and includes a food cavity for receiving the foodstuff. A temperature probe is removably insertable into the foodstuff and a controller is mounted to the shell. The controller controls operation of the cooking appliance in a probe mode wherein the temperature probe is inserted into the foodstuff and transmits foodstuff temperatures to the controller for controlling the heating of the foodstuff, a program mode wherein the controller actuates the heating element to heat the container at a temperature for a selected amount of time and subsequently at a lower temperature and a manual mode wherein the controller actuates the heating element to heat the container at a selected temperature.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/363,882, filed Feb. 28, 2006 and entitled “Slow Cooker andMethod of Operation”, the entire subject matter of which is herebyincorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present application is directed to a cooking appliance, generally aslow cooker, for cooking a foodstuff over a period of time and a methodfor cooking the foodstuff. More particularly, the present application isdirected to a slow cooker with a controller mounted to a side of ashell, a plurality of control modes for cooking foodstuff and a methodof utilizing a temperature probe for controlling the cooking of thefoodstuff in the slow cooker.

Slow cookers are relatively common household or kitchen appliances thatare used to cook a foodstuff over a relatively long time period.Conventional slow cookers typically include a base or shell, a crockremovably mountable in a basin of the shell and a lid removablymountable to a mouth of the crock. Foodstuff is positioned in the crock,the crock is positioned in the basin, the lid is positioned over themouth of the crock and the basin is heated at a predetermined,relatively low temperature over an extended period of time to cook thefoodstuff. The foodstuff is typically slow cooked at a relativelyconstant predetermined temperature until the slow cooker is manuallyturned off by a user. The typical slow cooker controls include a singlecontrol dial on a face of the shell including off, low and highsettings.

It would be desirable to construct a slow cooker that includes multiplecooking modes for cooking foodstuffs in various cycles and thatautomatically power down or keep the foodstuff warm at the conclusion ofa cooking cycle to generally prevent the foodstuff from overcooking. Inaddition, it would be desirable to construct a slow cooker with aconveniently mounted controller that is able to control the variouscooking cycles and may be accessed for cleaning and/or repair.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly stated, a preferred embodiment of the present invention isdirected to a cooking appliance for cooking a foodstuff over a period oftime. The cooking appliance includes a shell having a heating cavity anda heating element to heat the heating cavity. A container is removablypositionable within the heating cavity and includes a food cavity forreceiving the foodstuff. A temperature probe is removably insertableinto the foodstuff and a controller is mounted to the shell. Thecontroller controls operation of the cooking appliance in a probe modewherein the temperature probe is inserted into the foodstuff andtransmits foodstuff temperatures to the controller for controlling theheating of the foodstuff. The controller also controls operation of thecooking appliance in a program mode wherein the controller actuates theheating element to heat the container at a temperature for a selectedamount of time and subsequently at a lower temperature. The controllerfurther controls operation in a manual mode wherein the controlleractuates the heating element to heat the container at a selectedtemperature.

In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a cookingappliance for cooking a foodstuff over a period of time. The cookingappliance includes a shell having an external wrap and a liner. An airgap is defined between the external wrap and the liner and the externalwrap includes an exposed surface and a controller depression. A heatingelement is secured to the liner and a control panel includes a displayface for mounting a controller to the shell. The control panel ismounted in the controller depression such that the display face ispositioned one of flush with the exposed surface of the shell andinwardly toward the liner relative to the exposed surface of the shell.The control panel is pivotably mounted to the shell and is sealed togenerally prevent fluids from coming into contact with the controller,which is located within the control panel.

In yet another aspect, a preferred embodiment of the present applicationis directed to a cooking appliance for cooking a foodstuff over a periodof time. A shell includes an external wrap and a liner. An air gap isdefined between the external wrap and the liner and the external wrapincludes a controller depression. A heating element is secured to theliner and a controller is mounted to the shell. The controller actuatesthe heating element to heat the liner. A control panel includes a livinghinge and pivotably mounts the controller in the controller depression.

In a further aspect, the present application is directed to a method ofcooking a foodstuff in a kitchen appliance over a period of time. Thekitchen appliance includes a shell having a heating cavity, a heatingelement to heat the heating cavity, a container removably positionablewithin the heating cavity, a controller to control heating of theheating cavity, a display in communication with the controller, a lidand a temperature probe. The method includes the steps of inserting afoodstuff into the container, positioning the container in the heatingcavity, inserting at least a portion of the temperature probe into thefoodstuff, selecting a probe set temperature and storing the probe settemperature in the controller, actuating the controller to operate thekitchen appliance in a probe mode, automatically heating the heatingcavity at a cooking temperature using the heating element, detecting afoodstuff temperature with the temperature probe, transmitting thefoodstuff temperature to the controller, comparing the foodstufftemperature to the probe set temperature using the controller,automatically directing the heating element to heat the heating cavityat a warm temperature when the detected foodstuff temperature is equalto or greater than the probe set temperature and automatically cuttingpower to the heating element after a maximum time elapses.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description ofthe preferred embodiment of the invention, will be better understoodwhen read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose ofillustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings, anembodiment which is presently preferred. It should be understood,however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangementsand instrumentalities shown.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a preferred embodiment of thekitchen appliance or slow cooker of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top perspective, partially exploded view of the kitchenappliance, shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the kitchen appliance shown in FIG.1, taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of the kitchen appliance shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of a control panel of the kitchenappliance shown in FIG. 1; and

FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram of a controller and relatedcomponents of the kitchen appliance shown in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenienceonly and is not limiting. The words, “right”, “left”, “lower” and“upper” designate directions toward and away from, respectively,geometric center of the kitchen appliance or slow cooker and designatedparts thereof. The words “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directionstoward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the kitchenappliance or slow cooker and designated parts thereof. The terminologyincludes the above-listed words, derivatives thereof and words ofsimilar import.

Referring to the drawings wherein like numerals indicate like elementsthroughout, there is shown in FIGS. 1-6, a preferred embodiment of akitchen appliance or slow cooker, generally designated 10, for cooking afoodstuff 12 over a period of time.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the kitchen appliance or slow cooker 10 includesa shell 14 having a heating cavity 16 and a heating element 18 to heatthe heating cavity 16. In the preferred embodiment, the shell 14includes a base 14 a, an external wrap 14 b and a bucket-shaped liner 14c. The base 14 a is preferably constructed of an injection moldedpolymeric material and the external wrap 14 b and liner 14 c arepreferably constructed of a metallic material. The base 14 a is notlimited to being constructed of injection molded polymeric materials andthe external wrap 14 b and liner 14 c are not limited to metallicconstructions and may be constructed of nearly any material that is ableto take on the general shape of the base 14 a, external wrap 14 b, andliner 14 c and perform the typical functions of these components,respectively. The heating element 18 is wrapped around a side wall ofthe liner 14 c in the preferred embodiment to heat the liner 14 c andthe heating cavity 16. The heating element 18 is not limited to bewrapped around the liner 14 c and may be mounted to a base of the liner14 c, to an inside surface of the liner 14 c or nearly anywhere to theshell 14 for heating of the heating cavity 16.

Referring to FIG. 3, in the preferred embodiment, an air gap 20 isdefined by the base 14 a, the external wrap 14 b and the liner 14 c. Theheating element 18 is secured to the liner 14 c within the air gap 20and the air gap 20 provides insulation for the liner 14 c and theheating cavity 16. Specifically, the air gap 20 insulates the liner 14 cand heating cavity 16 when a container or crock 22 is inserted therein,as will be described in greater detail below. The slow cooker 10 is notlimited to inclusion of the air gap 20 for insulation purposes and mayinclude alternative insulation between the liner 14 c, wrap 14 b andbase 14 a, for example, foam or other types of insulation may bepositioned in the air gap 20.

Referring to FIGS. 1-4, in the preferred embodiment, the shell 14 isassembled by positioning a lower edge of the external wrap 14 b on anupper rim of the base 14 a and engaging an upper peripheral rim of theliner 14 c with an upper edge of the external wrap 14 b. The liner 14 cpreferably includes a fastener 24 secured thereto and extending towardthe base 14 a to secure the liner 14 c to the base 14 a. The fastener 24preferably extends through a boss (not shown) in the base 14 a and ispreferably secured to the base 14 a by a nut 24 a to sandwich theexternal wrap 14 b between the liner 14 c and the base 14 a. Thefastener 24 secures the assembly of the shell 14 and extends through theair gap 20 in the preferred embodiment. The shell 14 is not limited tobeing comprised of an assembly of the polymeric base 14 a, metallicexternal wrap 14 b and metallic liner 14 c secured to each other by thefastener 24 and may be constructed in nearly any manner using nearly anynumber of components to form the general shape of the shell 14 andwithstand the normal operating conditions of the shell 14. In thepreferred embodiment, at least two fasteners 24 and nuts 24 a areutilized to secure the assembly of the base 14 a, external wrap 14 b andliner 14 c to form the shell 14.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the container or crock 22 is removablypositionable within the heating cavity 16 and includes a food cavity 26for receiving the foodstuff 12. The container or crock 22 preferablyincludes a pair of crock handles 22 a on opposing sides and a crock rim22 b at an upper peripheral edge. The crock handles 22 a are utilizedfor carrying the crock 22 and the crock handles 22 a and crock rim 22 bare utilized for positioning and suspending the crock 22 within theheating cavity 16. Specifically, in the preferred embodiment, the crockhandles 22 a and crock rim 22 b rest on an upper edge of the liner 14 cto suspend and locate the crock 22 in the heating cavity 16 in a workingor cooking configuration. The container or crock 22 is not limited toinclusion of the opposed crock handles 22 a or the crock rim 22 b;however, these features are preferred for transporting and locating thecrock 22 relative to the shell 14 and the heating cavity 16. The crock22 is preferably constructed of a ceramic material that is generallyable to maintain its temperature when heated for cooking the foodstuff12, as will be described in greater detail below. The crock 22 is notlimited to being constructed of ceramic materials and may be constructedof nearly any material that is able to take on the general size andshape of the crock 22 and withstand the normal operating conditions ofthe crock 22.

Referring to FIGS. 1-4, the slow cooker 10 includes a temperature probe28 having at least a portion that is removably insertable into thefoodstuff 12. In the preferred embodiment, the temperature probe 28includes a shaft 28 a, a body 28 b, a cord 28 c and a plug 28 d. Theshaft 28 a preferably extends from the body 28 b and includes a probetip 30 at a distal end. The cord 28 c preferably extends from anopposite end of the body 28 b relative to the shaft 28 a and the plug 28d is preferably mounted to a distal end of the cord 28 c. Thetemperature probe 28 is preferably able to measure temperatures at theprobe tip 30 and transmit the temperatures to the plug 28 d. Inaddition, the body 28 b is preferably constructed of an insulativepolymeric material and the shaft 28 a is preferably constructed of ametallic material. The body 28 b is generally utilized for grasping by auser and generally does not transmit heat from the shaft 28 a into thebody 28 b due to the insulative properties of the polymeric material.The body 28 b is not limited to being constructed of the insulativepolymeric material and the shaft 28 a is not limited to beingconstructed of a metallic material. The body 28 b and shaft 28 a may beconstructed of nearly any material that is able to take on the generalshape of the body 28 b and shaft 28 a and perform the typical functionsof the body 28 b and shaft 28 a.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the body 28 b also preferably includes acord groove 32 around its periphery that the cord 28 c extends from andmay be wrapped within in a storage configuration (not shown). The cordgroove 32 is convenient for a user to store the cord 28 c in closeproximity to the body 28 b such that the cord 28 c is not constantlyextended from the body 28 b. In the preferred embodiment, at least oneplug storage hole 32 a is located within the cord groove 32 thatremovably receives the plug 28 d therein for storage of the plug 28 dproximate the body 28 b. The preferred temperature probe 28 preferablyincludes two plug storage holes 32 a on each side of the body 28 b inthe cord groove 32 that are integrally formed in the body 28 b forremovable receipt of the plug 28 d. In the preferred embodiment, theplug storage holes 32 a are formed in the body 28 b within the groove 32such that the plug 28 d may be force fit into the relatively elasticmaterial of the body 28 b within the plug storage holes 32 a. The body28 b is not limited to inclusion of the cord groove 32 or to the fourplug storage holes 32 a and may have a generally smooth, continuousouter surface; however, the cord groove 32 and plug storage holes 32 aare preferred for storage of the cord 28 c proximate the body 28 b.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 6, in the preferred embodiment, a probe outlet34 is exposed on a side surface of the shell 14 and the plug 28 d isremovably insertable into the probe outlet 34 to establish communicationbetween a controller 36, as will be described in greater detail below,and the temperature probe 28. The probe outlet 34 is preferably formedin the external wrap 14 b and permits removable securing or plugging ofthe plug 28 d into the probe outlet 34. The probe outlet 34 is notlimited to being located in the external wrap 14 b or to removablysecuring or plugging of the plug 28 d therein. For example, thetemperature probe 28 may be permanently secured to the shell 14 by thecord 28 c, which extends from the base 14 a or may remotely communicate(such as wirelessly) with the controller 36 to transmit temperaturesfrom the probe tip 30 to the controller 36 without the need for the cord28 c. However, the temperature probe 28 including the cord 28 c and plug28 d that is removably securable in the probe outlet 34 to establishcommunication with the controller 36 is preferred due to the typicalreliability of the cord 28 c, plug 28 d and probe outlet 34 inestablishing communication between the temperature probe 28 and thecontroller 36.

In the preferred embodiment, a pair of U-shaped handles 38 is mounted toopposing sides of the shell 14. In the preferred embodiment, the handles38 are bolted to side surfaces of the external wrap 14 b generally at amiddle of a height of the wrap 14 b. The handles 38 are preferablyconstructed of a metallic material and include a polymeric grip for usercomfort. The cooking appliance or slow cooker 10 is not limited toinclusion of the U-shaped handles 38 constructed of a metallic materialhaving the polymeric grips and may be constructed of nearly any materialand have nearly any shape that allows the user to transport or carry theslow cooker 10. In addition, the handles 38 may be eliminated from theslow cooker 10 without having a significant impact on the operation ofthe slow cooker 10. However, the handles 38 are preferred for moving ortransporting the slow cooker 10.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, in the preferred embodiment, a lid 40 isremovably mountable to a mouth of the container or crock 22. Thepreferred lid 40 is constructed of a transparent, glass panel 40 a and ametallic rim 40 b at the peripheral edge of the panel 40 a. The panel 40a is preferably transparent or translucent such that a user is able toview foodstuff 12 within the crock 22 and includes the metallic rim 40 bto improve the durability of the lid 40 and generally limit chipping orcracking of the panel 40 a at its peripheral edge. The lid 40 is notlimited to being constructed of a glass, transparent or translucentpanel 40 a with a metallic rim 40 b and may be constructed of nearly anyassembly or material that is able to take on the general shape of thelid 40 and perform the typical functions of the lid 40. For example, thelid 40 may be constructed of a single-piece, opaque material that isremovably mountable to the mouth of the crock 22.

In the preferred embodiment, the lid 40 includes a probe hole 40 bextending therethrough that removably receives the shaft 28 a of thetemperature probe 28 for removable mounting of the temperature probe 28to the lid 40. The probe hole 40 c permits insertion of the shaft 28 atherethrough such that the probe tip 30 may be inserted into thefoodstuff 12 in the cooking configuration with the lid 40 in placecovering the crock 22. The preferred probe hole 40 c includes apolymeric gasket inserted therein such that the shaft 28 a is slideablyreceived in the probe hole 40 c to generally protect the glass panel 40a. The probe hole 40 c is not limited to inclusion of the gasket nor toinclusion in the lid 40. For example, a similar hole may be inserted inthe crock 22 such that the probe tip 30 may be inserted into thefoodstuff 12 in the cooking configuration or the temperature probe 28may be otherwise configured to be permanently secured to a base of thecrock 22 such that the foodstuff 12 is inserted or mounted upon thetemperature probe (not shown) when it is inserted into the crock 22.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, in the preferred embodiment, the lid 40 includesa gripping knob 42 mounted in a generally central position on a topsurface of the transparent panel 40 a. The gripping knob 42 permitstransporting of the lid 40 for removably mounting on the mouth of thecrock 22. The gripping knob 42 is preferably constructed of an injectionmolded polymeric material that is secured to the transparent panel 40 a.The gripping knob 42 is not limited to injection molded polymericconstructions or to being included with the lid 40. For example, the lid40 may include no gripping knob 42 or other handle; however, thegripping knob 42 is preferred for convenient removal and replacement ofthe lid 40 onto the crock 22.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, in the preferred embodiment, a probe storagecavity 44 is located in a bottom surface of the shell 14. The probestorage cavity 44 is preferably shaped and sized for removably receivingthe temperature probe 28 when the temperature probe 28 is in a storageposition. The probe storage cavity 44 is preferably formed in the base14 a and includes one or more shaft locks 46. The temperature probe 28may be stored in the storage position in the probe storage cavity 44 byengaging the shaft 28 a with the shaft locks 46 and inserting the probebody 28 b into the probe storage cavity 44. The shaft locks 46preferably receive the shaft 28 a in a force-fit or snap-lock manner, asis generally well known to one having ordinary skill in the art. Whenthe temperature probe 28 is in the storage position, the temperatureprobe 28 is generally out of the way and attached to the slow cooker 10to generally prevent loss of the temperature probe 28. The cookingappliance or slow cooker 10 is not limited to inclusion of the probestorage cavity 44 or the shaft locks 46 and may be constructed withoutthese components without significantly impacting the operation andconstruction of the slow cooker 10.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, 5 and 6, the controller 36 is mounted to theshell 14 for controlling operation of the cooking appliance or slowcooker 10 in several cooking modes. In the preferred embodiment, thecontroller 36 is comprised of a programmable controller and may becomprised of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) thatcontrols operation of the slow cooker 10 in at least, probe, manual andprogram modes. The controller 36 is not limited to being comprised ofthe programmable controller or the ASIC and may be comprised of nearlyany variety of controller, such as a microprocessor, that is able tocontrol the slow cooker 10, as will be described in greater detailbelow, and withstand the normal operating conditions of the slow cooker10.

The controller 36 controls the slow cooker 10 in the probe mode whereinthe temperature probe 28 is inserted into the foodstuff 12 and transmitsfoodstuff temperatures to the controller 36 for controlling the heatingof the foodstuff 12, the program mode wherein the controller 36 actuatesthe heating element 18 to heat the container or crock 22 at a selectedtemperature for a selected amount of time and subsequently at a lowertemperature and the manual mode wherein the controller 36 actuates theheating element 18 to generally, continuously heat the container orcrock 22 at a selected temperature. The operation of the slow cooker 10in the probe mode, program mode and manual mode will be described ingreater detail below.

In the preferred embodiment, a control panel 48 for mounting thecontroller 36 to the shell 14 includes a display 50 and a plurality ofcontrol buttons 52 a, 52 b, 52 c, 52 d, 52 e, 52 f, 52 g. Each of thecontrol buttons 52 a, 52 b, 52 c, 52 d, 52 e, 52 f, 52 g is incommunication with the controller 36 for directing the controller orprogrammable controller 36 to control the slow cooker 10 in one of themodes or to perform other related functions. In the preferredembodiment, the control buttons 52 a, 52 b, 52 c, 52 d, 52 e, 52 f, 52 ginclude at least one of a probe button 52 a, a manual button 52 b, aprogram button 52 c, an enter button 52 d, an on/off button 52 e, anincrease or up button 52 f and a decrease or down button 52 g. Theutilization of the control buttons 52 a, 52 b, 52 c, 52 d, 52 e, 52 f,52 g and operation of the programmable controller 36 relative to inputsfrom the control buttons 52 a, 52 b, 52 c, 52 d, 52 e, 52 f, 52 g willbe described in greater detail below.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3 and 5, the external wrap 14 b includes an exposedsurface 54 and a controller depression 56. In the preferred embodiment,the controller depression 56 includes a peripheral shelf 56 a that ispreferably depressed from the exposed surface 54 of the external wrap 14b and a controller hole 56 b that is preferably comprised of a generallyrectangular hole through the external wrap 14 b exposing the air gap 20.The controller depression 56 is not limited to the shelf 56 a and thecontroller hole 56 b, is not limited to the configuration as is shown inthe attached figures, and may be comprised of nearly any feature that isable to perform the functions of the controller depression 56, as willbe described in greater detail below.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the control panel 48 mounts the controller 36 tothe shell 14 and includes a display face 48 a. The control panel 48 ispreferably mounted in the controller depression 56 such that the displayface 48 a is positioned generally flush with the exposed surface 54 ofthe shell 14 or at least slightly inwardly toward the liner 14 crelative to the exposed surface 54. Positioning the display face 48 arelatively flush with or inwardly relative to the exposed surface 54provides a generally clean, smooth appearance for the exposed surface 54of the external wrap 14 b of the shell 14 and the display face 48 a andthe overall appearance of the slow cooker 10. Such a smooth, continuousappearance for the slow cooker 10 is desirable for the aestheticappearance of the slow cooker 10. In addition, mounting the display face48 a generally flush with or inwardly relative to the exposed surface 54provides relatively easy access to the control buttons 52 a, 52 b, 52 c,52 d, 52 e, 52 f, 52 g on the display face 48 a of the control panel 48for the user.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3 and 5, the control panel 48 is preferably,pivotably mounted to the shell 14 and is sealed to generally preventfluids from coming into contact with the controller 36, which is locatedwithin the control panel 48. In the preferred embodiment, the controlpanel 48 includes a display panel 58, a hinge panel 60 and a hinge 62mounting the display panel 58 to the hinge panel 60. The control panel48 is preferably constructed of an injection molded polymeric panelincluding the display panel 58, the hinge panel 60 and the hinge 62,which is preferably a living hinge. The control panel 48 is not limitedto constructions utilizing injection molded polymeric materials or toinclusion of the living hinge 62. For example, the display panel 58 andhinge panel 60 may be constructed of a sheet metal material securedtogether by a butterfly-type hinge (not shown). The control panel 48 maybe constructed of nearly any material that is able to take on thegeneral shape of the control panel 48 and perform the typical functionsof the control panel 48, as will be described in greater detail below.

In the preferred embodiment, the hinge panel 60 includes a firstmounting hole 60 a therein and the display panel 58 includes a secondmounting hole 58 a and a clearance hole 58 b therein. Preferably, thehinge panel 60 includes a pair of first mounting holes 60 a and thedisplay panel 58 includes a pair of second mounting holes 58 a and apair of clearance holes 58 b. The first and second mounting holes 60 a,58 a, preferably have a smaller diameter than the clearance holes 58 b.The second mounting holes 58 a and the clearance holes 58 b arepreferably located at opposing corners of the generally rectangulardisplay panel 58 and the first mounting holes 60 a are preferablymounted to upper and lower portions of the hinge panel 60. The controlpanel 48 is not limited to the inclusion of pairs of first and secondmounting holes 60 a, 58 a and pairs of clearance holes 60 and mayinclude single first and second mounting holes 60 a, 58 a, and a singleclearance hole 58 b or may include a plurality of first and secondmounting holes 60 a, 58 a, and clearance holes 58 b, which are locatedat nearly any portion of the control panel 48 for securing the controlpanel 48 to the external shell 14 b in the controller depression 56, aswill be described in greater detail below.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 5, in the preferred embodiment, the hinge panel60 includes a first face 64 a and a second face 64 b and the displaypanel 58 includes an internal face 48 b and the display face 48 a. Aportion of the internal face 48 b and the first face 64 a are in facingengagement with the shelf 56 a in an assembled configuration.Specifically, in the assembled configuration, the hinge panel 64 ispivoted about the hinge 62 such that the first face 64 a is facing theshelf 56 a along with the internal face 48 b and the control panel 48 ismounted in the controller depression 56. Mounting of the control panel48 in the controller depression 56 in this manner permits theabove-described flush or radially inwardly positioning of the displayface 48 a relative to the exposed surface 54 of the external wrap 14 bin the assembled configuration. As was described above, this type ofmounting provides a generally smooth, continuous surface between thedisplay face 48 a and the exposed surface 54, which is generallyaesthetically pleasing to a user of the slow cooker 10 and typicallyprevents grease or other spillage from becoming stuck in rough orextending surfaces at the exposed surface 54 of the external wrap 14 b.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 5, in the preferred embodiment, the hingepanel 60 is pivoted about the hinge 62 such that the second face 64 b isin facing engagement with the internal surface 48 b in a mountingposition, when the control panel 48 is prepared for mounting in thecontroller depression 56 and when the control panel 48 is mounted to theexternal wrap 14 b in the assembled configuration. In the mountingposition and the assembled configuration, the clearance holes 58 b alignwith the first mounting holes 60 a. In addition, in the assembledconfiguration, a first fastener (not shown) extends through theclearance hole 58 b and the first mounting hole 60 a and a secondfastener (not shown) extends through the second mounting hole 58 a tomount the control panel 48 to the shell 14, specifically, to theexternal wrap 14 b within the controller depression 56. The heads (notshown) of the first and second fasteners preferably engage the hingepanel 60 proximate the first mounting holes 60 a and the display panel58 proximate the second mounting holes 58 a. The clearance holes 58 bprovide clearance for the heads of the first fasteners to extendcompletely through the display panel 58 to engage the second face 64 bof the hinge panel 60. Accordingly, in the assembled configuration, thesecond fasteners may be removed from the second mounting holes 58 a suchthat the display panel 58 may be pivoted about the living hinge 62 toprovide access to the internal face 48 b of the control panel 48 formaintenance of the controller 36, for cleaning of the shelf 56 a orpotentially for access to the air gap 20 and liner 14 c. The controlpanel 48 is not limited to being mounted or secured to the shell 14 byfasteners and may be clamped, adhesively bonded or otherwise secured tothe shell 14.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 5, in the preferred embodiment, a cover 66 isremovably mounted to the internal face 48 a of the display panel 58 andthe controller 36 is mounted between the display panel 58 and the cover66. Preferably, the cover 66 includes side walls 66 b and screw bosses66 that space the cover 66 from the internal face 48 b and provide aspace for mounting the controller 36 between the cover 66 and theinternal face 48 b. The cover 66 and display panel 58 generally provideprotection for the controller 36 and provide a relatively sturdy mountfor the controller 36. The control panel 48 is not limited to inclusionof the cover 66 any may be otherwise configured or assembled to provideprotection for the controller 36 and to mount the controller 36.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 5, in the preferred embodiment, an electricalcord 68 is in communication with the controller 36 within the controlpanel 48 and the cover 66 includes a cord hole 70 to provide access forthe electric cord 68 to the controller 36. A sealant 70 a preferablyseals the cord hole 70 with the electrical cord 68 therein in anassembled configuration to generally prevent fluids from coming intocontact with the controller 36, which is mounted within the controlpanel 48. The cover 66 is not limited to inclusion of the cord hole 70and the cord hole 70 is not limited to being sealed by the sealant 70 ain the assembled configuration. For example, the cord hole 70 may bepositioned in a rear face of the cover 66 to provide power and othercommunications to the controller 36 and may be sized for a force fit ofthe electrical cord 68 therein to generally seal and prevent asignificant amount of fluid from coming into contact with the controller36. The controller 36 is preferably sealed within the control panel 48to generally prevent contact with fluids as exposure to fluids may havean adverse impact upon the function of the controller 36.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3 and 5, in the preferred embodiment, the user maymanipulate the control panel 48 to gain access to the internal face 48 bor to the air gap 20 and liner 14 c. Specifically, the user may removethe second fasteners from the second mounting holes 58 a and pivot thedisplay panel 58 out of the controller depression 56 about the livinghinge 62. The user may then clean the rear of the control panel 48 orthe shelf 56 a or may gain access to the controller 36 by removing thecover 66. For example, the user may modify the controller 36 to performvarious alternative functions when gaining access to the controller 36.The control panel 48 may then be pivoted back to the assembledconfiguration for further use of the slow cooker 10.

Referring to FIGS. 1-6, to operate the slow cooker 10 in any of thecooking modes, uncooked foodstuff 12 is positioned in the crock 22, thecrock 22 is positioned in the heating cavity 16 and the lid 40 ispositioned over the mouth of the crock 22. The slow cooker 10 is poweredand a user presses the on/off button 52 e. When the on-off button 52 eis depressed, the display 50 prompts a user to select a cooking mode byshowing the word, “SEL”.

Probe Mode

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, and 6, to operate the slow cooker 10 in theprobe mode, the tip 30 of the temperature probe 28 is inserted into thefoodstuff 12 through the probe hole 40 c in the lid 40, a probe settemperature is selected by a user and stored in the controller 36, thecontroller 36 actuates the slow cooker 10 to operate in the probe mode,the controller 36 automatically heats the heating cavity 16 at a cookingtemperature using the heating element 18, a foodstuff temperature isdetected with the temperature probe 28, the foodstuff temperature istransmitted to the controller 36, the foodstuff temperature is comparedto the probe set temperature using the controller 36, the heatingelement 18 is automatically directed to heat the heating cavity 16 at awarm temperature when the detected foodstuff temperature is equal to orgreater than the probe set temperature and power is automatically cut tothe heating element 18 after a maximum time elapses. The probe mode ispreferably utilized to cook a foodstuff 12, such as a roast, wholechicken or other foodstuff to a recommended internal or foodstufftemperature.

In the preferred embodiment, the user may select a low or high heatsetting when the temperature probe 28 is inserted into foodstuff forcooking using the heating element 18. The user is also preferably ableto select the probe set temperature using the control buttons 52 a-52 g.In the preferred embodiment, the probe set temperature may be selectedin the range of 140 to 180 degrees Fahrenheit (140° F.-180° F.). Theprobe set temperature is selected by depressing the up and/or downbuttons 52 f, 52 g when the slow cooker 10 is in the probe mode and theup and down buttons 52 f, 52 g preferably increment the selected probeset temperature by five degrees Fahrenheit (5° F.). The temperaturesettings may also be displayed on the display 50 in degrees Centigrade(° C.) as well as degrees Fahrenheit (° F.).

In the preferred embodiment, in the probe mode, the plug 28 d is engagedwith the probe outlet 34 and the shaft 28 a of the temperature probe 28is inserted into the food cavity 26 through the probe hole 40 c suchthat the probe tip 30 is positioned within the foodstuff 12. The probetip 30 is preferably located proximate a center of the foodstuff 12. Theslow cooker 10 is powered and a user depresses the on/off button 52 b.The probe button 52 c is depressed by the user after being prompted bythe word, “SEL” on the display 50 and the controller 36 illuminates alight emitting diode (LED) on or proximate to the probe button 52 c toindicate to the user that the slow cooker 10 is operating in the probemode, illuminates a cook time indicator 72 a beneath the display 50 anddisplays the word, “HIGH” on the display 50. The user may then depressthe up or down buttons 52 f, 52 g to toggle between the words, “HIGH”and “LOW” on the display 50, indicating that the heating element 18 willbe actuated to heat the heating cavity 16 at a high or low temperature.When the desired temperature indication is present on the display 50,the user depresses the enter button 52 d to accept the desired heatsetting.

When the desired heat setting is selected, the controller 36 illuminatesa desired temperature indicator 72 c below the display 50 and displaysthe number, “160” on the display 50. The user is preferably able todepress the up or down buttons 52 f, 52 g to modify the desired foodtemperature or the probe set temperature in 5 degree Fahrenheit (5° F.)increments in a range between 140 and 180 degrees Fahrenheit (140°F.-180° F.). When the desired food set temperature or probe settemperature is displayed on the display 50, the user depresses the enterbutton 52 d and the controller 36 directs the heating element 18 to heatthe heating cavity 16 at the selected high or low temperature.

In the preferred embodiment, when the enter button 52 d is depressed atthe conclusion of the selections in the probe mode, the display 50 showsthe word “COOK” for a relatively brief amount of time, sounds a brieftone from a speaker 74 associated with the controller 36, energizes theheating element 18 to heat the heating cavity 16 at the selectedtemperature, illuminates an actual temperature indicator 72 d below thedisplay 50, displays a measured food temperature on the display 50received from the temperature probe 28 for a brief amount of time andsubsequently illuminates a desired temperature indicator 72 c whiledisplaying a desired temperature or the probe set temperature on thedisplay 50 for a brief amount of time. The actual measured temperaturefrom the temperature probe 28 and the desired temperature or probe settemperature are repeatedly shown on the display 50 for short periods oftime until the actual temperature of the foodstuff 12 is equal to orgreater than the desired or probe set temperature.

When the actual temperature of the foodstuff 12 measured by thetemperature probe 28 is equal to or greater than the desired or probeset temperature stored in the controller 36, the controller 36 actuatesthe speaker 74 to sound a tone, actuates the display 50 to show theword, “WARM”, turns off the actual temperature indicator 72 d andilluminates a heat setting indicator 72 b. The controller 36 may actuatethe speaker 74 to sound nearly any sound, however, in the preferredembodiment, the speaker 74 is actuated to emit three short tones havinga duration of one second (1s) each and spaced by one second (1s)silences. In addition, in the preferred embodiment, the repeated displayof the actual foodstuff and probe set temperatures on the display 50 aredisplayed for five second (5s) intervals. The tones from the speaker 54and dwell of the displays on the display 50 are not limited to theabove-described time limitations and may be displayed or emitted innearly any manner, as will be understood by one having ordinary skill inthe art.

In the preferred embodiment, in the probe mode, the controller 36automatically actuates the heating element 18 to heat the heating cavity16 at a warm setting or temperature that is lower than both the low andhigh temperatures, which are generally utilized for cooking, when thefoodstuff measured temperature is detected as being equal to or greaterthan the probe set temperature. In addition, the controller 36preferably directs the heating element 18 to heat the heating cavity 16for a total of fourteen hours (14 hrs) in the probe mode and cuts powerto the heating element 18 after fourteen hours has elapsed. When themaximum time period is reached, the controller 36 preferably soundsthree tones from the speaker 74 and directs the display 50 to show theword, “OFF”. The slow cooker 10 is not limited to turning the heatingelement 18 off after a maximum of fourteen hours or to indicating theoff condition as was described above in the probe mode. For example, thecontroller 36 may actuate the heating element 18 to maintain the warmtemperature for an infinite amount of time or for nearly any maximumamount of time, as will be understood by one having ordinary skill theart.

It is preferred that the controller 36 provide some indication to a userif the temperature probe 28 falls out of communication with thecontroller 36 during operation of the slow cooker 10 in the probe mode.For example, if the plug 28 d becomes detached from the probe outlet 34,the controller 36 preferably actuates the display 50 to show the phrase“PLUG PRBE”, sounds a three second (3s) continuous tone using thespeaker 74, actuates the heating element 18 to heat the heating cavity16 at the high temperature setting and monitors communication from thetemperature probe 28 to determine if or when the temperature probe 28comes back into communication with the controller 36. When thetemperature probe 28 comes back into communication with the controller36, for example, when the plug 28 d is reinserted into the probe outlet34, the controller 36 continues cooking in the probe mode in thepreviously selected cycle. The controller 36 is not limited to operatingin the above-described manner if communication is lost to thetemperature probe 28 and may simply cut power to the heating element 18if communication is lost with the temperature probe 28, direct theheating element 18 to heat the heating cavity 16 at the warm temperatureor otherwise react to a cut in communication between the controller 36and the temperature probe 28.

At the conclusion of cooking the foodstuff 12 in the probe mode, thetemperature probe 28 is removed from the lid 40 and cleaned, the lid 40is removed from the crock 22 and the foodstuff 12 may be removed fromthe crock 22 for consumption or the crock 22 may removed from theheating cavity 16 to store the cooked foodstuff 12 or to transport thecooked foodstuff 12 to a serving dish. The crock 22, lid 40 and shell 14may then be cleaned and the cord 28 c is preferably wrapped around thebody 28 b within the cord groove 32 for storage. In addition, the plug28 d may be inserted into any one of the plug storage holes 32 a toretain the plug 28 d proximate the body 28 b in a storage configuration.The temperature probe 28 is then preferably positioned in the probestorage cavity 44 such that the shaft locks 46 engage the shaft 28 a tosecure the temperature probe 28 to the base 14 a. The cleaned slowcooker 10 may then be placed in storage or prepared for additionalcooking.

Program Mode

To operate the slow cooker 10 in the program mode, the slow cooker 10 ispowered and a user presses the on/off button 52 e. The program button 52d is depressed by a user upon prompting from the display 50 and thecontroller 36 automatically illuminates an LED (not shown) on orproximate the program button 52 d to indicate that the slow cooker 10 isin the program mode. The controller 36 then automatically illuminates acooking time indicator 72 a and automatically shows the phrase “4:00” onthe display 50. This indicates that the default cooking time is fourhours (4 hrs) for the program mode, which may be modified by depressingthe up and/or down buttons 52 f, 52 g in thirty minute increments (30min) in a preferred range between thirty minutes and twelve hours (12hrs). The slow cooker 10 is not limited to the four hour default time orto the thirty minute to twelve hour cooking time range. The cooking timerange and default may be nearly any time period, as will be understoodby one having ordinary skill in the art. The user selects the desiredcooking time shown on the display 50 by depressing the enter button 52d.

After the cooking time has been accepted, the controller 36automatically illuminates the heat setting indicator 72 b and displaysthe word, “HIGH” on the display 50. The heat setting is preferably ableto be modified by depressing the up and/or down buttons 52 f, 52 g totoggle between high and low temperature settings, which are accepted bydepressing the enter button 52 d. The slow cooker 10 is not limited totoggling between high and low temperature settings and may includeadditional temperature settings or only a single temperature setting.

When the enter button 52 d is depressed to select the desiredtemperature setting, the controller 36 automatically displays the word,“COOK” for a short period of time, sounds a tone using the speaker 74,energizes the heating element 18 to heat the heating cavity 16 at theselected temperature setting, illuminates the cooking time indicator 72a and displays the cooking time that is remaining on the display 50. Thedisplay 50 preferably repeatedly shows the cooking time that isremaining and the selected temperature setting for short periods oftime, preferably five second (5s) intervals. The foodstuff 12 is cookedat the selected temperature setting for the selected amount of time andwhen the time has elapsed, the controller 36 automatically sounds a toneusing the speaker 74. The controller 36 then indicates the word, “WARM”on the display 50, turns off the cooking time indicator 72 a andilluminates the heat setting indicator 72 b. The controller 36 alsoactuates the heating element 18 to heat the heating cavity 16 at a warmtemperature that is lower than either the low or high cookingtemperatures. The controller 36 preferably continues to maintain thewarm temperature for a maximum time of fourteen hours at which point thecontroller 36 automatically cuts power to the heating element 18, soundsa tone using the speaker 74 and actuates the display 50 to show theword, “OFF”. The controller 36 is not limited to controlling the slowcooker 10 in the above-described manner in the program mode and mayalternatively control the slow cooker 10 in the program mode, as will beunderstood by one having ordinary skill in the art.

Manual Mode

To operate the slow cooker 10 in the manual mode, the on/off button 52 eis depressed and the display 50 shows the word, “SEL”, prompting theuser to select a cooking mode. The user depresses the manual button 52 band the controller 36 automatically illuminates an LED on or proximatethe manual button 52 b, illuminates the heat setting indicator 72 b andshows the word, “HIGH” on the display 50. The selected cookingtemperature may be modified by depressing the up and/or down buttons 52f, 52 g to toggle between high, low and warm temperatures, which areeach displayed on the display 50. As was described above, the slowcooker 10 is not limited to the high, low and warm temperatures forcooking and/or warming and may toggle between a series of numericaltemperature settings or other, like alternative temperature settings.

When the user depresses the enter button 52 d, the controller 36displays the word, “COOK” on the display 50, if the high or lowtemperature settings are selected or the display 50 shows the word,“WARM” if the warm setting is selected, sounds a tone using speaker 74and energizes the heating element 18 to heat the heating cavity 16 atthe cooking or temperature setting that was selected after a shortdelay. The display 50 preferably repeatedly shows the selectedtemperature setting (“HIGH” OR “LOW”) and the word, “COOK” for shortperiods of time or shows the word, “WARM” if the warm setting isselected. The slow cooker 10 preferably operates or cooks in this mannerfor a maximum amount of time and the controller 36 preferably cuts powerto the slow cooker 10 after the maximum time has elapsed. In thepreferred embodiment, the maximum time is fourteen hours (14 hrs), butthe fourteen hour maximum time is not limiting and may comprise nearlyany time that may be controlled by the controller 36. In addition, theuser may modify the cooking temperature by depressing the up and/or downbuttons 52 f, 52 g during cooking in program mode, which will preferablynot impact the maximum time period for cooking, but will modify thetemperature that the heating element 18 heats the heating cavity 16.

When the maximum time has elapsed, the controller 36 preferably sounds atone using the speaker 74, shows the word, “OFF” on the display 50 andturns off the LED on or proximate the manual button 52 b. The food maybe removed from the crock 22 for consumption and the components of theslow cooker 10 may be cleaned and stored as was described above.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could bemade to the embodiment described above without departing from the broadinventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that thisinvention is not limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but itis intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of thepresent invention as defined by the appended claims.

1. A cooking appliance for cooking a foodstuff over a period of time,the cooking appliance comprising: a shell including a heating cavity; aheating element to heat the heating cavity; a container removablypositionable within the heating cavity, the container including a foodcavity for receiving the foodstuff; a temperature probe removablyinsertable into the foodstuff; and a controller mounted to the shell,the controller controlling operation of the cooking appliance in a probemode wherein the temperature probe is inserted into the foodstuff andtransmits foodstuff temperatures to the controller for controlling theheating of the foodstuff, a program mode wherein the controller actuatesthe heating element to heat the container at a temperature for aselected amount of time and subsequently at a lower temperature and amanual mode wherein the controller actuates the heating element to heatthe container at a selected temperature.
 2. The cooking appliance ofclaim 1 further comprising: a control panel for mounting the controllerto the shell, the control panel including a display and a plurality ofcontrol buttons, each control button being in communication with thecontroller, the control buttons including at least one of a probebutton, a manual button, a program button, an enter button, an on/offbutton and increase and decrease buttons.
 3. The cooking appliance ofclaim 1 further comprising: a pair of U-shaped handles mounted toopposing sides of the shell; and a lid removably mountable to a mouth ofthe container, the lid including a probe hole extending therethroughthat removably receives a shaft of the temperature probe, thetemperature probe being insertable through the probe hole for insertionof at least a tip of the temperature probe into the foodstuff.
 4. Thecooking appliance of claim 3 wherein the lid includes a gripping knob ona top surface.